Access launches own Linux touchscreen phone
updated 10:15 am EDT, Fri October 23, 2009
Access unveils ELSE and ELSE INTUITION
Best known for having bought the rights to Palm OS, Access late on Tuesday entered phones itself by previewing the ELSE and a matching Linux phone operating system, the ELSE INTUITION. The 3.5-touchscren phone is co-designed by Emblaze and has a heavily upgraded version of Access' Linux Platform with a custom interface: it centers on a unique rotary-like home screen and menus that are easier to use with one hand as well a more intuitive multi-tasking interface that shows running all running apps at once. A side strip of buttons simplifies navigating through lists or back to higher levels.
The ELSE is pitched as a high-end media phone with an 854x480 screen, a 5-megapixel camera, 16GB of built-in storage and both 3G as well as GPS. While it's limited to Access' NetFront web browser, it supports push e-mail and more advanced OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics.
Access and Emblaze don't have concrete plans for the ELSE but say it's already being tested by carriers worldwide. More details of the phone should be available once a more concrete launch is in place. [via Impress]
